Jonah Bolden will be utilized multiple ways in Sixers' rotation

Jonah Bolden will be utilized multiple ways in Sixers' rotation

In what’s been an active offseason for the Philadelphia 76ers, the most recent run of moves by the team has resulted in some young talent being sent out of town.

Most recently, it was young forward Richaun Holmes, who was traded to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for cash considerations. The move to move Holmes allowed the Sixers to sign 2017 second-round pick Jonah Bolden to a four-year deal.

Bolden spent last season with Maccabi Tel Aviv, averaging 7.2 points and 6.0 rebounds over 55 games. He’s also played with the Sixers’ summer league team in each of the past two years, but struggled a bit this July, averaging 6.5 points and 6.0 rebounds in 23 minutes per game.

Regardless, Bolden’s upside is apparent and Philly wanted to get him under contract and on the roster. The question becomes what role he could play in 2018-19.

As RealGM’s Keith Smith explained, Bolden has an opportunity to jump right into the role Holmes held over the past few seasons.

Guess this is how Philly is freeing up a roster spot/spots and how Phoenix is filling out their roster after the earlier trade today.

Also, Philly is almost certainly bringing Jonah Bolden over. He'll play the developmental big spot Holmes has held for the last few years. https://t.co/ZehCZNTvQ6

Playing Bolden in this role makes sense, although he’s also shown the ability to step out and knock down shots from behind the arc. With the additions of Mike Muscala and even Wilson Chandler, the Sixers have players capable of playing that stretch-four spot, but the 24-year-old could earn time in that spot as well.

Realistically, Muscala is likely to be the main stretch-four off the bench, but if Bolden slides into Holmes’ spot, he’ll likely see between 13-18 minutes per game. Last season, Holmes averaged 15.5 minutes, while receiving 20.9 minutes per game in 2016-17.

The one thing working against Bolden, though, is the fact that the Sixers have an exceptional amount of depth entering the season. But based purely on upside, the young big man will receive an opportunity for playing time next season.